TOURISM INDIA JANUARY 2021

ININININCREDIBLE INDIA

WONDERFUL WORLD AVIATION ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

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JANUARY 2021 VOL. 23 NO. 09 Pages 68

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tourismindiamagazine

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ADTOI CONVENTION ATOAI OFFICE BEARERS FAITH VIRTUAL MART UNWTO PROTOCOL WTTC GUIDELINES RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

S A IL O F S U RV IVA L

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Editor’s Note

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TAKE CARE OF MOTHER NATURE

ew Trends come and go in all walks of life every year but 2021 is set to be one of tourism’s most significant years to date and travel looks a little different than pre-pandemic years.

As the hardest hit sector by Covid 19 pandemic and still remains in survival mode with many challenges ahead and the outlook remains highly uncertain in the Tourism sector, but the vaccines bring hopes for recovery.

The recovery of international tourism requires global co-operation and continued government support to cushion the blow to tourism. It is the right time to take advantage of new technologies and better environment-friendly business practices that are stronger, fairer, and more sustainable models of tourism development.

Tourism is a complex system consisting of multiplex networks and also an open system that exchanges material, energy, with its environment. Millions of components interact with each other in the local networks in various layers globally.

Destinations that heavily depend on international tourism are struggling while Domestic tourism has restarted and eased the impact in some destinations.

The opportunities to encourage innovation and new business models, explore new markets, new destinations, paves the way to move to more sustainable and resilient tourism development models.

The tourist’s attitudes have been changed significantly after the pandemic. Personal hygiene and sanitation are now being given priority. Tourists prefer to www.tourismindia.org

visit more isolated places and also avoid crowded spots and also changed the Travel patterns such as Nearby places and short travel along with the local food and village experiences are some of the new trends emerging in the sector. At least for some more time, Mega-events will be less attractive Tourism may look inwards for a while be more domestic directed. Nature and wildlife will triumph and will be preferred over monuments and history in the future. So, the hills, the sea resorts, wildlife reserves, and slightly isolated locations will win overcrowded favourites of yore. Road-trips may find greater favour. Drive-outs, long weekends and short vacations, are the preferred options for families and youngsters.

No doubt that If we deny climate change and keep exploiting mother nature, animals, and ecosystems, then we should have to pay the price eventually.

COVID-19 is most likely originated as the other side of the coin of our exotic/luxury food consumption culture. Other viruses and disasters that can easily eradicate7human beings as if we have never lived are not so far. Human beings should always be aware that we are also part of this Universe and not faster than time and bigger than space. Amidst the present chaos in the sector, how sustainable tourism can be a way ahead.

HAVE A GREAT 2021!

Rajani A Editor JANUARY 2021 TOURISM INDIA

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Contents JANUARY 2021

VOL. 23 NO. 09 Cover : Parasailing by Bond Safari at Kovalam Photo: Raju Sundaram

MANAGING EDITOR Ravisankar K V EDITOR Rajani A EXECUTIVE EDITOR Raadia Mukadam ASSOCIATE EDITOR G. Ajithkumar ART EDITOR N Bhattathiri DIRECTOR - DESIGNS Anand Sankar PHOTOGRAPHERS Vivek R. Nair, Murukesh Iyer EXECUTIVE - DIGITAL MEDIA VAISHNAV RAMAKRISHNAN

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TOURISM BACK TO 1990 LEVELS

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WTTC Mental Health Guidelines to aid the recovery of Travel & Tourism

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FAITH India Tourism Mart goes virtual

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Guarat Will host 10th ADTOI convention

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INDIA TOURISM Domestic Tourism roadshow in Goa

BUSINESS & EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

NEW DELHI D Anilkumar +91 9868123311

MUMBAI K V Satyanath +91 9745598126

KOLKATA Jayasree Singh +91 943306033

BANGALURU Damodaran K Nair +91 8310955261

EDITORIAL & CORPORATE OFFICE TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD A-29, KUMARA VILAS, ELANKOM GARDENS, VELLAYAMBALAM, SASTHAMANGALAM P.O., TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, INDIA 695010 TEL: +91 471 2315256 MOB: 9847060531 CONTACT US Editorial Enquiries editor@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9847060531 Advertisement Enquiries marketing@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Circulation & Subscription Enquiries circulation@tourismindiaonline.com Mob: +91 9745598126 Online Edition www.tourismindia.org www.tourismindiaonline.com Digital Edition: https://issue.com/tourismindia No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD. All rights reserved Copyright @2021 Printed and Published by Ravisankar K V on behalf of TOURISM INDIA PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD, A-29, Kumara Vilas, Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam P.O., Trivandrum 695010 at Aarsha Offset Graphix, Mettukkada, Thycaud.P.O., Trivandrum- 695014 Editor: Rajani A

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WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP GOES TO Kerala & Rajasthan topped Traveller ROVANIEMI Review Awards Madhya Pradesh signs pact with Kerala to replicate Responsible Tourism

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Vishwas Makhija will lead ATOAI

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SHARAD PURI CLUSTER GM FOR SHERATON GRAND WHITEFIELD HOTEL & ALOFT BENGALURU

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“Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” Project

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Travancore Heritage Tourism Project to focus on Kerala capital

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Kerala Arts & Crafts Village ready to welcome visitors

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Para sailing project at Kovalam launched

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DISCOVER QATAR ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS VERY FIRST EXPEDITION CRUISE

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Muziris Paddle Flag-off on February 12

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81% travellers confident of flying with IndiGo

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COVID-19 & TOURISM A STRATEGIC POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH

VISTARA launched ‘BOOK ON GOOGLE’

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Qatar Airways and Oman Air Strengthens Strategic Cooperation

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Qatar Airways Offers Full Year of Flexibility in 2021

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Alhind Tours Awarded India’s Best Group Travel Company 2020

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GLOBAL TALENT ON DISPLAY

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Sheraton Grand Palace Indore with ADTOI to reinstate domestic tourism 9

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Dettol partners with Treebo Hotels

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ATM 2021 to run live Event in Dubai

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PRIVATE PARADISE CALLING @NIYAMA MALDIVES

Sunday Brunch @ Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel

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Unravelling the Tradition of Punjab

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How Countries are performing on the Road to Recovery

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NEWS/ INTERNATIONAL

TOURISM BACK TO 1990 LEVELS UNWTO expects international arrivals to decline by 70% to 75% for the whole of 2020. In this case, global tourism will have returned to levels of 30 years ago, with 1 billion fewer arrivals and a loss of some US$ 1.1 trillion in international tourism receipts

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he unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism has been revealed in the latest tourism data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Since the start of this crisis, International arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of 2020, with restrictions on travel, low consumer confidence, and a global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus, all contributing to the worst year on record in the history of tourism.

According to the tourism data from UNWTO, destinations welcomed 900 million fewer international tourists between January and October when compared with the same period of 2019.

This translates into a loss of US$ 935 billion in export revenues from international tourism, more than 10 times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis.

UNWTO Secretary-General Mr. 10

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Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Since the start of this crisis, UNWTO has provided governments and businesses with trusted data showing the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism. Even as the news of a vaccine boosts traveller confidence, there is still a long road to recovery. We thus need to step up our efforts to safely open borders while supporting tourism jobs and businesses. It is ever clearer that tourism is one of the most affected sectors by this unprecedented crisis.”

Based on the current evidence, UNWTO expects international arrivals to decline by 70% to 75% for the whole of 2020. In this case, global tourism will have returned to levels of 30 years ago, with 1 billion fewer arrivals and a loss of some US$ 1.1 trillion in international tourism receipts. This massive drop in tourism due to the pandemic could result in an economic loss of US$ 2 trillion in

world GDP.

Travel restrictions continue to weigh on the recovery

Asia and the Pacific, the first region to suffer the impact of the pandemic and the one with the highest level of travel restrictions to date, saw an 82% decrease in arrivals in the first ten months of 2020. The Middle East recorded a 73% decline, while Africa saw a 69% drop. International arrivals in both Europe and the Americas declined by 68%.

Europe recorded smaller decreases of 72% and 76% in September and October compared to other world regions, following the slight though the short-lived recovery in the summer peak months of July and August. The resurgence of the virus across the region has led to the reintroduction of some forms of travel restrictions. However, Europe is the region in which more destinations (91% as of 1 November

2020) have eased such restrictions, mainly among the Schengen Member States.

At the other end of the spectrum, Asia and the Pacific continued to record declines of nearly 100% in September and October, reflecting the ongoing closure of borders in China and other major destinations in the region.

The Americas has seen a gradual improvement since June with comparatively lower decreases in international arrivals through October. This reflects the reopening

of many destinations in the region, including small island developing states in the Caribbean.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili adds: “A coordinated approach to easing and lifting restrictions on travel whenever is it safe to do so is essential. This will not only open destinations up to tourism again, but clear and consistent rules between countries will go a long way towards building back trust in international travel and boosting consumer confidence.”

Data on international tourism

expenditure continues to reflect a very weak demand for outbound travel. However, some large markets such as the United States, Germany, and France have shown some signs of recovery in recent months. Furthermore, demand for domestic tourism continues to grow in some markets, including both China and Russia.

The announcement of a vaccine and the start of vaccination are expected to gradually increase consumer confidence

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

WTTC MENTAL HEALTH GUIDELINES TO AID THE RECOVERY OF TRAVEL & TOURISM Investment in mental health promotes good business and greater profitability

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he World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its new mental health guidelines for the Travel & Tourism sector, which have been compiled to support businesses of all sizes to support the mental health of their employees.

The Mental Health Guidelines build on the Diversity & Inclusion Guidelines released by WTTC in 2020, going one step deeper to focus on mental wellbeing. It will help businesses better prepare for the recovery period following 12

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the COVID-19 crisis, and will ensure that as the sector rebuilds, it comes back stronger and better than before.

The guidelines come at a time when mental health could not be more important. Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) showed that more than one in 10 people (95%) feel that poor mental health affects their performance at work, while 85% say it is difficult to concentrate when struggling with poor mental

health, and 64% feel that it takes them longer to complete tasks.

Furthermore, research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a US$4 return in improved health and productivity, for every US$1 investment in improved treatment for common mental disorders.

Developing a Supportive System , Creating Safe Spaces , Supporting an Agile System , Exemplifying Support for Good Mental Health are the four pillars of Mental Health Guidelines.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “WTTC is proud to release these important high-level guidelines focusing on mental wellbeing, which will help Travel & Tourism businesses of all kinds and their employees.

“The sector employs people from all socio-economic backgrounds regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, with almost 50% of whom are women and up to 30% youths. After nearly a full year of insecurity and hardship that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, the time could not be more appropriate to invest in the mental well-being of this sector.

“Furthermore, throughout its very nature, the Travel & Tourism sector is one that brings joy to people of all walks of life, therefore it makes perfect sense for the sector to reflect these val-

Travel & Tourism is key to maintaining mental well-being with lockdowns, quarantines, job losses and uncertainty looming larger than ever all against the backdrop of winter, it is crucial that mental health support is given space in the conversations around recovery.

ues within the workplace as well.

We look forward to seeing these guidelines make real change within the workforce.”

WTTC compiled these guidelines, with the advice of leading health authorities and private sector leaders, to aid the Travel

Gloria Guevara President & CEO, WTTC

& Tourism sector. Maintenance of and support for good mental health should be part of an organisation’s culture and strategy.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

FAITH INDIA F TOURISM MART GOES VIRTUAL

ITM 2021 on 18-20th Feb. 2021

ederation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality, the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) & cause partner AIRDA is holding its India Tourism Mart - ITM a buyer seller meet in a virtual format from 18th - 20th Feb 2021.

The India Tourism Mart or the ITM 2021 virtual will also hope to showcase and be a curtain raiser for the actual physical ITM to be held in September 2021 highlighting a tourism ready India once the vaccine is successfully deployed.

The tourism verticals in which B2B interactions take place reflect a mix between leisure, adventure, mice, heritage and niche tourism sectors. Due to the pandemic, the format this year has gone virtual and online B2B interactions will be held between Indian tourism exhibitors and an elite group of global buyers who will be carefully selected from over 90 countries.

Additionally, the domestic focus will figure too prominently in the virtual format this year with domestic tourism buyers who too will be invited reflecting a mix of tourism trade, corporate and institutional tourism buyers.

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This will be in robust alignment to being more vocal for local and a stronger ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ from tourism.

Another landmark showcase this year will be an engaging virtual knowledge tourism conclave to bring the best in tourism and policy makers to discuss how Indian tourism is strategic to India’s socioeconomic goals and critical as the country targets post pandemic revival. This will attempt to create

B2B interactions will be held between Indian tourism exhibitors and an elite group of global buyers who will be carefully selected from over 90 countries strong linkages between India’s $ 5 trillion economy and the goals for India @75.

The FAITH associations are eagerly anticipating ITM 2021 virtual to be inaugurated by

the Hon PM of India. This will position Tourism @ Made in India in services in line with the highly successful Make in India in manufacturing.

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NEWS/ ASSOCIATIONS

GUARAT WILL HOST 10TH ADTOI CONVENTION

Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India to hold its annual convention in Kevadiya in Gujarat from Feb 12-14, 2021 with a theme DOMESTIC TOURISM – HOPE FOR THE REVIVAL

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ssociation of Domestic Tour Operators of India has announced its management committee’s decision to hold their 10th annual convention from February 12-14, 2021 at Kevadia in Gujarat with the support of Gujarat Tourism, that could be a major catalyst to restart and revitalise the ailing travel and tourism industry in the country, which is in the death bed after an yearlong global and national lockdown due to COVID 19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. Theme of this year’s convention is “DOMESTIC TOURISM – HOPE FOR THE REVIVAL. According to Mr. PP Khanna, President, ADTOI, the State of Gujarat has always been on front foot to promote its tourism potential and in current times they are moving fast to revive and stabilize tourism. ADTOI has been supporting Tourism in Gujarat with all out endeavor to promote destinations in the State since long.

Apart from extending support to all our Annual Conventions in the past has also hosted our Convention in 2019 held in Ahmedabad now 16

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in Kevadia at Tent City. Our team has started working on it and expected to put up a grand show.

We expect the presence of about 400 plus delegates during the Convention which will be grandly inaugurated on 12th February 2021 in the evening at Convention Hall, Kevadia.

Mr. Chetan Gupta, Convention Chairman said , “ After the pandemic, it’s high time to design and re-think how to encourage tourism and make people travel again of vibrant culture is blessed with diverse tourism products, and people are willing to explore India. The convention will focus and discuss all the possible methods and modes to promote India and showcase its rich culture and heritage to the world. The convention will be designed to benefit the participants with

substantial knowledge and offer a platform to meet business partners after the lockdown”.

We have coined the theme to support our stand since the time COVID 19 pandemic devastated livelihoods of the stakeholders of tourism industry. Travelling is an inborn activity with all of us. We cannot stop travelling. And after a great break it is happening, people are moving out of their homes alone or with family for their social needs and by the grace of God tourism is reviving at destinations more during weekdays/festivities and it is going to bounce back in the days to come. We all should be prepared to cater to the needs of people willing to take a holiday or for business and fulfil social commitments. Gujarat is a Pioneer State looking at tourism seriously and doing all that is possible to showcase the state to the rest of India to experience incredible India, Mr. Chetan added.

Mr. Chetan said that the annual get together of country’s leading tour operators and destination managers will be a major

Mr. PP Khanna, President, ADTOI

breakthrough to restart the tourism business in the country with more focusseed approach and strategy. The convention will be held at convention hall at Tent city 2 at Statue of Unity, Kevadiya and hall has a capacity to hold 1000 people, and there is a dining space for 500 people. They have been fully renovated recently and are equipped to organise events in line with the new normal.

As international borders are closed and travel is limited to domestic travel, hence it is of utmost importance to showcase India from a different perspective.

The Convention will have Business Sessions, Product Presentation, Cultural programs besides facility for better connectivity for all to visit this destination.

Kevadia, which has quickly become the pulsating destination and is growing rapidly in popularity as well as complete tourism destination for everyone. Statue of unity has already achieved enormous count as far as numbers of tourists who have already visited the destination and it’s amazing to watch the count keep on increasing with each passing day.

Kevadia and Statue of Unity is the brain child of Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and he personally supervised the each and every development of the region. Prime Minister launched a seaplane service between Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity to boost the connectivity to Kevadia

Mr. Chetan Gupta, Convention Chairman

in December. Mr. Modi has recently launched eight new train services from different parts of the country to Kevadiya to boost connectivity to Statue of Unity, to make the seat of Sardar Vallabhai Patel Statue as a most sought after global tourism destination in the near future. With the new connectivity initiatives, both by air and surface, the destination is expected to attract at least one lakh visitors per day.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

INDIA TOURISM DOMESTIC TOURISM ROADSHOW IN GOA B2B event and second in series of domestic tourism Road Shows

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inistry of Tourism, Government of India in collaboration with Goa Tourism and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has organised the domestic tourism road show in Goa through its IndisTourism office in Goa . This B2B event and second in series of domestic tourism Road Shows in the West-

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ern and Central Region that the Ministry of Tourism has planned to conduct since the Covid–19 outbreak was inaugurated by Ms. Rupinder Brar , Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism .

This roadshow featured fruitful engagement between tour operators from Maharashtra and Goa. This event was one

of the series of roadshows being organized in the Ministry of Tourism’s Mumbai Office ( Western & Central Region) .

Maharashtra Tour Operators delegation consisted of 15 tour operators who drove into Goa to experience the Road travel which is now gaining popularity as travel is unlocking across the

country. 30 members of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) participated in the roadshow.

Delivering keynote address, Additional Director General Rupinder Brar spoke about how Domestic tourism, when developed in a meaningful, sustainable and complementary way to international tourism, offers India an exceptional platform for year-round tourism.

Se said “ This would mean a relentless determination to drive up quality, whether accommodation, hospitality or customer service.” She also spoke about the several initiatives being taken by Ministry of Tourism in rebooting the tourism sector and the Dekho Apna Desh Campaign and the famed Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series.

Mr. J. Ashok Kumar, Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Goa informed about the release of new Tourism policy of Goa in November, 2020 which aims on shifting from Coastal to Hinterland Tourism in the State. He also informed about www.tourismindia.org

the State having a dedicated agency for Beach Clean – up and forthcoming initiative of having a dedicated Police Force for all beaches.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation made a presentation on the limitless options for holiday makers in Goa and especially the new tourism products being developed by the State.

Mr. Nilesh Shah, the President

of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) the apex body representing the Hotel & Travel Trade in Goa welcomed the participants . TTAG consists of Hoteliers, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Airlines and other allied bodies.

Excellent support was extended

by Goa Tourism, Institute of Hotel Management , Goa , TTAG in organizing the roadshow.

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NEWS/TRAVEL TRENDS

KERALA & RAJASTHAN TOPPED TRAVELLER REVIEW AWARDS Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the most welcoming regions in India

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n a year where the travel industry faced unparalleled challenges, Booking.com drew on millions of customer reviews and presented the ninth Traveller Review Awards 2021 to recognize partners across the globe for their dedication and resilience to provide incredible travel experiences.

Booking.com has revealed the top five most welcoming regions in India according to its Traveller Review Awards 2021. Kerala has topped the list in India once again as the ‘Most Welcoming Region’ in India followed by Rajasthan.

Palolem, Agonda, Mararikulam, Jaisalmer and Thekkady are the top five most welcoming cities in India. The awards further highlights - resort, homestay, guest house and apartment to be among the most welcoming accommodation types for travellers in India after hotels.

The top 3 countries with the most number of winners this year include Italy (151801) followed by Spain (81341) and France (77687). India (7366) ranked ahead of New Zealand (7079), Turkey (6438), Chile (6370), Colombia (6213) and China (6183).

Based on the share of properties receiving the Traveller Review Award 2021 the Most Welcoming Cities and Regions in India for travellers to experience the best in hospitality and friendliness and these places reveal hospitality can be found in every corner of the globe. South India dominated the most welcoming regions list in India with Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu making it to the www.tourismindia.org

top five.

While hotels remained the most-awarded accommodation type in India for 2021 followed by resorts, three out of the five topawarded accommodation types in India are unique places to stay: homestays, guesthouses and apartments.

“As trips became fewer and further between, each and every trip meant more to travellers than ever before, and it has become even more important to celebrate the outstanding service that the Traveller Review Award winners displayed during a year like no other. The breadth and spread of winners this year is a powerful testament to our partners’ dedication and resilience, as they managed to provide incredible travel experiences for people in every corner of the globe amidst a year of untold challenges for the entire industry. On our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, our partners play such an impactful role in delivering amazing experiences to travellers and I

know that with their tenacity, partnership and passion, we can rebuild travel together, and help more and more travellers rediscover our beautiful world when it’s safe to do so.” said Ritu Mehrotra, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Booking.com The Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2021 reveal insights into traveller preferences throughout the past year, uncovering that travellers appreciate staff, cleanliness and location most when reviewing award-winning properties on the platform, with those attributes scoring highest among the categories that travellers rate following their stay.

With consumers increasingly conscious of health and hygiene, notably, on average, winners had a cleanliness score that was 17% higher than the average cleanliness score for nonwinners, suggesting it may be a differentiator for a more perfect welcome.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

MADHYA PRADESH SIGNS PACT WITH KERALA TO REPLICATE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM K

Kerala, MP Tourism ministers exchange MoUs

erala’s famed Responsible Tourism (RT) found another state officially emulating the pioneering initiative, as Madhya Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state for implementation of the Kerala model, which involves local communities and makes tourism a tool for rural development.

The two states signed a joint declaration under which Kerala will extend a series of services under a 16-point programme. The MoUs were exchanged at a ceremony by the Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala and his Madhya Pradesh counterpart 22

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Ms Usha Thakur.

Mr. Surendran said Responsible Tourism is the “only tool for sustainable development of tourism” as it creates better places for people to live in and visit. “RT takes the responsibility of the economic well-being of society. It ensures social and cultural stability besides environmental protection,” he noted, terming the pact with Madhya Pradesh as “another milestone” for Kerala Tourism and its RT Mission.

Mr. Surendran said Kerala did not have a practical model to follow or replicate when it launched RT. Today, the Mission has more than 20,000 units comprising

small-scale entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople, traditional workers, farmers and other service providers. “They are local communities at the grassroots, linked directly or indirectly with tourism,” he added.

“The RT Mission’s projects earned Kerala’s tourist map several micro destinations. It has, during its function since October 2017, generated an income of Rs 35 crores amid disruptions owing to Nipah, two floods and now Covid -19.”

Ms Thakur said she was overwhelmed by the way the tradition, culture and heritage of Kerala is being preserved here.

She pointed out that with the help of RT Mission of Kerala, the rustic beauty, life and heritage of Madhya Pradesh could be highlighted on the world tourism map.

“There are several tribes like Bhil, Sahariya and Gond living in our state, and we want to showcase their traditional value, attire and food habits to the entire country and outside word with Kerala’s assistance. India is a country of villages and its soul lies in the villages. We want to show it to the world with your cooperation, she added.”

Ms. Rani George IAS, Secretary – Tourism, Kerala said the success of RT in Kerala has always been the public and private partnership.

“Community should be benefitted and empowered through RT. So it’s high time other states thought about embracing RT,” she said, adding that a team from Kerala will be visiting Madhya Pradesh as part of this collaboration.

Mr. P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism, welcoming the gathering, said the MoU with Madhya Pradesh marks a new progress for Kerala in RT sector.

Kerala can also learn a lot from Madhya Pradesh.

Mr. K Rupeshkumar, Kerala RT Mission coordinator said Madhya Pradesh can become a champion in RT sector with the support of Kerala, which has already set a model in RT in the world.

Ms Sonia Meena, Deputy Secretary and Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, gave a presentation on the proposed RT activities in the central Indian state.

Mr. Krishna Teja IAS, MD, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC); Dr Reena K S, Thiruvanathapuram Corporation ward councillor; Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, Kerala

Travel Mart Society (KTM) and mr.

EM Najeeb, Senior Vice President of IATO are also attended.

In the next one week, a 13-member team from Bhopal, led by Minister Ms. Thakur will tour different parts of Kerala to gather first-hand knowledge about RT in the state.

The MoU entrusts Kerala RT Mission with the task of implementing RT projects in Madhya Pradesh in ways that suit that state. Kerala will help Madhya Pradesh chart its RT masterplan, ready the human resources to implement the project, conduct training projects, list the criteria for the formation of district tourism promotion councils, locate sustained tourism projects so as to carry out RT projects, formulate social and economic security measures, help in gradation of hotels, resorts and homestays, form tourism clubs and restrooms on lines of Kerala’s RT

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Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Kerala Tourism Minister and Ms. Usha Thakur. Minister for Tourism, MP are exchanging a MoU for implementing Kerala’s Responsible Tourism model in MP, at a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. Mr. P Bala Kiran, Director, Kerala Tourism; Mr. K Rupeshkumar, Coordinator, Kerala RT Mission; Ms. Rani George, Secretary, Kerala Tourism; Ms.Sonia Meena, Deputy Secretary and Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; and Mr. Krishna Teja, MD, KTDC are also seen (from left to right). www.tourismindia.org

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NEWS / ASSOCIATIONS

VISHWAS MAKHIJA WILL LEAD ATOAI

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r. Vishwas Makhija, Managing Director - M/s India Insight Tours Pvt. Ltd. will lead Adventure Tour Operators Association of India ( ATOAI) as the President for next two years. Mr. Rajesh Ojha, Managing Director M/s Banjara Camps Pvt. has elected as Senior Vice President while Mr. Vaibhav Kala, Managing Director - M/s Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd is elected as Vice President of the umbrella organisation of adventure tor operators in India. The annual general body meeting is also elected Mr. Vinayak Koul, Director M/s Snowlion Expeditions Pvt Ltd. As Hon. Secretary and Mr. Pradeep Murthy, Director - M/s Muddy Boots

Mr. Rajesh Ojha 24

Mr. Vishwas Makhija

Mr. Vaibhav Kala

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Mr. Rajesh Ojha elected as the new Sr. VP and Mr. Vaibhav Kala as Vice President.

Mr. Vinayak Koul and Mr. Pradeep Murthy are the new Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively

Vacations LLP as Hon. Treasurer.

The newly elected Executive committee members are Commander Sam T Samuel - Kalypso Adventures Pvt. Ltd. ; Mr. Ronny Singh Gulati - Youreka Campouts Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Nirat Bhatt - Nidus Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Nadeem Sheikh - Sea & Sky Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Arvind Bhardwaj - Red Chilli Adventure Sports Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Milind Bhide - Countryside Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd. The former President of ATOAI Capt. Swadesh Kumar will continue as the Executive Committee member along with the two past presidents, Mr. Tejbir Singh Anand and Mr. Ajeet Bajaj.

Mr. Vinayak Koul

Mr. Pradeep Murthy

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SHARAD PURI APPOINTED AS CLUSTER GM FOR SHERATON GRAND WHITEFIELD HOTEL & ALOFT BENGALURU

heraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center and Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park has appointed Sharad Puri as the new Cluster General Manager. An industry veteran with an exemplary track record, Sharad brings with him an amalgamation of knowledge, experience, and learning of over 25 years in the luxury hotels business. In his new role, Sharad will oversee the complete operations and management of the hotels along with the senior leadership teams, to ensure the highest levels of guest engagement, profitability and continue to build on the positioning and reputation of both the hotels.

A seasoned hotelier, Sharad holds great expertise across all departments and his leadership skills have time and again proved to be an asset. His association with leading hotel chains from around the country has seen him perform and achieve business objectives, thus establishing the respective hotel’s dominance in the industry. Sharad began his www.tourismindia.org

journey with The Oberoi, Mumbai, and the Oberoi Towers, Mumbai during 1995 – 2000 where he held various positions in the Rooms Division. He continued his association with the group joining The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata from 2000 till 2004.

Prior to joining JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu as the General Manager in late 2017, Sharad spent

his time from 2004 to 2017 with established brands including the Trident Hyderabad, Trident Chennai, and Hilton Towers, Mumbai.

His contribution to all these hotels has led to him becoming an all-around professional and an industry thought leader, known for his superior analytical skills and strategic approach.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

“ADOPT A HERITAGE:

APNI DHAROHAR, APNI PEHCHAAN”

PROJECT REVIEWED Under the project, 27 Memorandum of Understandings have been awarded to 12 Monument Mitras for twenty-five sites and two Technological interventions across India

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he Ministry of Tourism, Government of India runs the “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” project which is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India and State/ UTs Government for developing tourism amenities at heritage/ natural/ tourist sites spread across India for making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased manner.

Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C) took a review meeting of the “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” project in New Delhi. A detailed presentation was given about the present status and progress at various monuments.

Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel laid emphasis on timely completion of projects and asked the officials to review the amenities proposed under the MoUs in discussion with the nodal departments from time to time. Mr. Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary Tourism; Ms. Meenakshi Sharma, DG Tourism; Ms. Sanjukta Mudgal, JS Culture, Ms.

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Rupinder Brar, ADG Tourism, and representatives of the Archaeological Survey of India were present in the meeting.

Mr.Prahlad Singh said that ‘Adopt a Heritage’ is a wellconceived initiative and hoped that by leveraging CSR, this project would help in providing the basic amenities such as cleanliness, safe drinking water, light, and sounds in the lesserknown monuments.

The project aims to encourage companies from public sector, private sector, trusts, NGOs, individuals and other stakeholders to become ‘Monument Mitras’ and take up

the responsibility of developing and upgrading the basic and advanced tourist amenities at these sites as per their interest and viability in terms of a sustainable investment model under CSR. They would also look after the Operation & Maintenance of the same.

Under the project, 27 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) has been awarded to 12 Monument Mitras for twenty-five (25) sites and two (2) Technological interventions across India.

Under the MoUs handed over for implementation of amenities includes basic facilities such as

Dustbin; Public Conveniences; Clean drinking water facility; Illumination; Ease of Access; Aesthetics and cleanliness of site; Bench Installations, Waste Management; App based Multi lingual Audio Guide; Installation of Digi Kiosk and Ticketing Kiosk; Signage -Descriptive and directional; Wi-Fi. Advance amenities under implementation include Visitor Facility Centre; Sound and Light Show -3D-Projection Mapping (Interior and Exterior); Snack Counter & Souvenir Shop; Augmented Reality Experience and Virtual Reality (360-degree Experience).

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL

ATM 2021 A TO RUN LIVE EVENT IN DUBAI ATM Virtual, which made its debut earlier this year after ATM 2020 was postponed, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries

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s new dawn beckons for Travel & Tourism industry, ATM 2021 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre on 16-19 May 2021 and will focus on what the future holds.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has announced that the theme of the show will be ‘A new dawn for travel and tourism’ and the spotlight will be thrown onto the current state of the industry and more importantly, what the future holds.

It will also look at the emerging trends and how innovation can drive the industry forward.

Major destinations such as Dubai and Cairo are leading the way with estimated full year 2021 occupancy levels of 68% and 65% respectively and closely followed by Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Muscat and

Amman, with average occupancies of 58%, 56%, 51%, 48%, and 45% respectively. Overall, average year-on-year growth of the 20 destinations researched was 47%.

Prior to the pandemic, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to the Middle East’s GDP was predicted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), to reach US $133.6 billion by 2028.

So, given subdued oil prices and a general economic slowdown due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is clear that the regional economy will be relying on travel and tourism to recover quickly, once a vaccine has been fully developed and rolled out.

ATM 2021 will also play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week and for the first time, a new hybrid format will mean a virtual ATM running a week later to complement and reach a wider audience than ever before. ATM Virtual, which made its debut earlier this year after ATM 2020 was postponed, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries.

“It is imperative that we include a virtual element to Arabian Trav-

el Week because many industry professionals from around the world, cannot attend the live event in person every year. It would also be naïve of us to imagine that governments throughout the world will relax their travel restrictions, to

the same degree, at the same time and of course reopening airports and flight routes will also vary by country,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

TRAVANCORE HERITAGE TOURISM PROJECT TO FOCUS ON KERALA CAPITAL S

The first phase will be carried out in four stages across Thiruvananthapuram district, giving fillip to the tourism development

howcasing the cultural richness of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom that now lies in the southern part of the state, the Kerala Government is set to begin a Rs 100-crore Travancore Heritage Tourism Project (THTP) that envisages conservation of the region’s palaces, mansions and temples.

The project will ensure that the old-world looks of the structures will be retained, besides illuminating the landmarks of the city to give them greater visual appeal in the evenings.

THTP, overall, covers heritage structures from Padmanabhapuram Palace, now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, to the Parthasarathy temple on the banks 30

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of the Pampa in Aranmula of Pathanamthitta district. The first phase will be carried out in four stages across Thiruvananthapuram district, giving fillip to the tourism development.

The project has been drafted by Mumbai-based architectural firm AbhaNarainLambah Associates, which is into conservation of several historical sites across India.

“The Travancore Heritage Tourism Project is an attempt to highlight the hidden jewels of the erstwhile kingdom and give a boost to tourism, creating a new circuit for visitors to explore Kerala”, said Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

The phase one of THTP will give

a facelift to the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and adjoining East Fort, besides 19 majestic building complexes on either side of arterial MG Road up till Vellayambalam, spanning five kilometres. These structures will be illuminated by employing state-ofthe-art techniques.

Simultaneously, a 14-km stretch from East Fort, which is the heart of the city, to Enjakkal northwestward will have 21 heritage-value structures lit up aesthetically. The work on both the roads is progressing well, authorities said.

The second phase will carry out renovation of the historical monuments such as the dilapidated Koyikkal Palace in Attingal which

is 30 km north of the state capital,150-year-old Anantha Vilasam mansion, the 1839-built Ranga Vilasam and Sundara Vilasam, also near Padmanabhaswamy temple.

At the centre of the project is Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, with the remnants of its fort wall, streets with historically and architecturally important structures, shopping streets, the temple pond and the living streets.

As part of the project, the state secretariat will be made more attractive with laser project. Using digital system, it will throw light on the political history of the 1956-formed Kerala.

THTP has also charted the renovation of the Kilimanoor Palace that gave birth to world-famous artist Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).

Centuries old stone structures like Arattu Mandapam at Shang-

Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple will be the centre of the Travancore Heritage project, with the remnants of its fort wall, streets with historically and architecturally important structures, shopping streets, the temple pond and the living streets. THTP has also charted the renovation of the Kilimanoor Palace that gave birth to worldfamous artist Raja Ravi Varma

humugham beach and the rock-cut cave at Vizhinjam have been made part of the heritage circuit.

The project also has brought in its ambit vintage institutional buildings in the city, most of which are still functional, like State Central Library, Ayyankali Hall (previously known as VJT Hall), University College and Post Master General (PMG) building.

Apart from the monuments associated with the royal period, the circuit includes structures like Anjengo Fort, a trade settlement of East India Company in down south and the remnants of the 16th century Portuguese built St Thomas Fort at Thangassery in Kollam, By conserving and renovating the heritage monuments of the Travancore belt, THTP seeks to bring in more tourists from abroad. .

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NEWS / NATIONAL

KERALA ARTS & CRAFTS VILLAGE READY TO WELCOME VISITORS

KERALA ARTS & CRAFTS VILLAGE HAS DESIGN STRATEGY LAB, GAME ZONES, HANDLOOM VILLAGE, READING ROOMS, FOOD COURTS, WALKWAYS AND REST AREAS, MAKING IT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE LEISURE SPOT.

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K

erala Arts & Crafts Village, the sprawling campus to promote and showcase Kerala’s vibrant art and cultural heritage, at Vellar near Kovalam is all set to welcome visitors Spread around 8.5 acres of panoramic locale, Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is an ideal destination for visitors and art buffs alike to enjoy the best of Kerala’s traditional, folk and ethnic art, craft and performing traditions.

The key features of the complex include an amphitheatre, museums, studios for craftspeople to work and an art gallery, enabling the visitors to have a hands-on feel of the rich and diverse heritage of Kerala handed down through centuries.

“Kerala Martial Arts Academy, floated by the State Government to preserve and promote centuries old Kalaripayattu, will also be housed in the Arts and Crafts Village,” said Mr, Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala.

“A part of Kerala’s southern tourism circuit, Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is a unique project to present the splendid artistic legacy of south Kerala before a larger audience.

It will be a go-to spot for tourists in the postCOVID phase, besides being an easy-to-reach family outing site for people in the region,” he added .

The campus has dedicated spaces for artisans and craftspeople, mostly from south Kerala, to work and sell their exquisite and authentic products. Visitors can buy souvenirs and curios to add to their collection.

Ms. Usha Thakur, Minister for Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, along with a www.tourismindia.org

team of officials from her state visited the Village .

“Kerala Arts and Crafts Village has all the potential to be a hub of cultural events and spectacles for domestic and foreign tourists. It can also be an academic destination on traditional arts and crafts,” said Mr. Bala Kiran, Director. Kerala Tourism The facility has modules for over 750 craftsmen and artisans excelling in a variety of traditions to work on their concepts, while being looked on by visitors. The artists to be engaged by the campus include those working on a variety of materials like wood, bamboo, reed, coconut shells, palm leaf, coir and cotton. More than 50 crafts are presented in 28 studios with facilities for production, display and sales. The village has the presence of personalities like Gopi Master, who was conferred with Padma Shri for his contributions to handloom, and KR Mohanan, who had won the Shilpa Guru Award. An annual in-

ternational theme-based art and craft biennale, which will feature paintings, terracotta, handloom, sculptures, and reed and bamboo products along with workshops, will be conducted in the Village. Craft food festivals (in April) and arts festivals (in September) are other highlights of the village calendar. Besides, an annual international handicraft products festival is being planned in December. Offering glimpses of Kerala’s history and heritage, cultural programmes and lightand-sound shows will be held at the venue regularly. Setting up an art and craft research centre and sale outlets for architects and interior and fashion designers have also been planned at the campus, turning it into a world-class art and craft complex.

Kerala Arts & Crafts Village has design strategy lab, game zones, handloom village, reading rooms, food courts, walkways and rest areas, making it an all-inclusive leisure spot.

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NEWS/ ADVENTURE

PARA SAILING PROJECT AT KOVALAM LAUNCHED B

Kerala Tourism Minister inaugurates state’s first parasailing project at Kovalam

ond Adventures Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading water sports facilitators in the country has launched its first para sailing project at Kovalam in Kerala. The Rs 2.5-crore project , which has been offering Bond safari Kovalam, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water body-related adventure packages for many years.

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran , Minister, Kerala Tourism has officially launched the state’s first parasailing project at Hawa Beach, Kovalam on January 12, 2021.

“Kovalam is a famed international beach destination. The new facility will give a boost to water sport activities in Kovalam, besides complementing the efforts to develop the state as a major adventure tourism hub,” Mr. Surendran said after launching the activity.

Mr. Jackson Peter, Managing Director of Bond Adventures Pvt. Ltd. said that this expansion at Kovalam will give more thrust to the tourism development in Kerala, especially in water sports 34

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facilities. We have introduced world class infrastructure and safety protocol to manage the water sports activities.

Winch parasail boat made in Goa will be used for the activity

at the beach and the parasails are manufactured in the UK. Tourists will be taken to this boat on a feeder boat. Parasail boat has a length of 11m, 3m width and 1.5m depth.

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NEWS / ADVENTURE

MUZIRIS PADDLE FLAG-OFF ON FEBRUARY 12 4th edition of the ‘Muziris Paddle’, will be flagged off on February 12 at Kottappuram Corniche, Kodungallur in Trichur district, Kerala

K

ayakers, standup paddlers and sailors from India as well as abroad will converge at Kochi in Kerala to paddle along the royal National Waterway 3 of the historic Muziris. The exciting project ‘Muziris Paddle’, which carved a niche on the in-

ternational tourism map in the last three years, will take place on February 12 and 13 along the Kottappuram-Kochi Waterway.

The fourth edition of the ‘Muziris Paddle’, jointly organised by Kerala Tourism, Muziris Heritage Project and Jellyfish Watersports

will be flagged off on February 12 at Kottappuram Corniche, Kodungallur. It will be attended by prominent persons from the political, social and cultural spheres who will also grace the concluding ceremony in Bolgatty on February 13.

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Dewaswom, Kerala releasing the logo of Muziris Paddle 2021 by handing over to Mrs. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Kerala in the presence of Mr. Sreejith, Director- Operations of Jellyfish water Sports, Mr. P. Balakiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism and Mr. Noushad Padiyath, MD, Muziris Heritage Project 36

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launched by Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Dewaswom.

Jellyfish Watersports, an expert in the watersports arena, is arranging industry-best safety measures for the Muziris Paddle that will have tourists, watersports fans, senior citizens, students and even participants who don’t know swimming on board.

Participants will get special training before the programme. The event is arranged strictly following the COVID protocol.

The ‘Muziris Paddle 2021’ that kicks off from the Amphitheatre near Kottappuram Market at 8 am will travel through the Periyar and enter the National Waterway 3 near Munambam. On the first day, the team will visit the Pallippuram Fort and Cherai Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum, two prominent destinations close to the lake. The first day will conclude at 3.30 pm at Sravanam Greens, Kedamangalam.

The team will resume the tour on February 13 from Sravanam Greens and subsequently enter the Vembanadu Lake, covering Nedungadu Veeranpuzha and Vypin Manjanakkadu. After savouring the beauty of Mulavukadu island, it will circle the Bolgatty island beneath the Goshree Bridge. By 3.30 pm, the paddlers will reach KTDC Marina, close to the Bolagatty Palace. “The main centres on the waterway will have facilities for leisure, entertainment and food,” said Mr.P.M. Naushad , MD , Muziris Heritage Project, and Sreejith A.K, General Manager ,Jellyfish Watersports in a joint statement.

Besides touring the historic Spice Route experiencing its cultural diversity, ‘Muziris Paddle’ will also spread a message on ‘River / Lake Conservation and keeping it plastic-free’. Throughwww.tourismindia.org

out the trip, the team will collect plastic waste from the lake with the help of regional organisations, environmental groups and volunteers. The event logo was

To register, interested participants may contact 9745507454, 9400893112. To book online, log on to www.jellyfishwatersports. com

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NEWS / AIRLINES

81% TRAVELLERS CONFIDENT OF FLYING WITH INDIGO

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consumer survey conducted by IndiGo revealed that 81% of the Travellers are confident that IndiGo will ensure clean and safe travel for their journey. Factors such as health and wellness of the airline staff (90%), wearing PPE and maintain social distancing by airlines (89%), personal safety kits (87%), and hygiene measures at arrival (75%) are highlighted as important.

Mr. William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We 38

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are pleased to see that we have gained customer confidence over the last six months on the back of our safety measures and customer initiatives. There has been a 16-point rise in passenger confidence in IndiGo from 65% in June to 81% in December 2020.

The report also showcases an increase in awareness for our safety measures from 55% in June to 82% in December. Air travel being the safest mode of travel, cou-

pled with IndiGo’s clean and safe travel experience, 76% customers gained confidence to travel again post lockdown. We will continue to introduce new measures, products and services to further strengthen customer confidence in air travel and IndiGo. Our aim is to consistently provide a safe and hassle-free experience on-board a lean, clean flying machine”.

As per the survey conducted online in December with 23000

82% passengers aware about Lean Clean Flying Machine

travellers, 76% of customers gained confidence to travel again after their first travel post lockdown and 69% of the customers plan to travel again in next 3 months (up from 54%in June) Safety is a key priority while travelling and Air transport is considered the safest form of travel by a wide margin for inter-city travel (55% of respondents felt air travel is safe vs.

8% for rail travel), followed by driving (37%). 90% customers

lines and contactless travel experience remained the last priority with 85% customers considering it important Passengers who haven’t travelled yet, were concerned due to post travel quarantine measures by various states (30%), fellow passengers not maintaining social distancing (24%), quality of air circulation in the aircraft (14%) and less flight options (13%) The key drivers for customers to choose IndiGo for their next

prioritize health and wellness of the airline staff, while 89% of them feel that wearing PPE and maintaining social distancing by airlines need to be in place. Personal safety kits and hygiene measures at arrival are next on priority with about 87% and 85% customers demanding the same, respectively. Sanitation and safety protocols by the air-

travel, will be safety measures and precautions being taken by IndiGo (41%) followed by deals and discounts (24%), flight availability and options (23%) and new product and service (6%).

82% of passengers are aware about Lean Clean Flying Machine Travel Trends .81% of the passengers are confident that IndiGo will keep them safe while travelling in

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terms of health and safety while 47% of the respondents have expressed to travel solo in future, followed by 43% with family.

Customers who have travelled recently would prefer to travel to metro cities (54%) next time, followed by Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities (38%) and international destinations (7%) .Those who haven’t travelled recently showed higher preference for international destinations while travelling next

time (12%) Customers who have travelled recently shared a higher propensity to travel for visiting family or hometown (49% v/s 40%) and business travel (31% v/s 26%) than those who hadn’t travelled recently. Overall, VFR (46%) and business (29%) will be the key reasons to travel, followed by leisure (9%) and work vacation (7%).

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NEWS / AIRLINES

VISTARA

LAUNCHED ‘BOOK ON GOOGLE’

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istara airlines has launched the integrated ‘Book on Google’ feature which now allows its customers to directly search and book Vistara flights on Google. Following the implementation of the New Distribution Capability (NDC), made possible through a technology partnership with Amadeus, passengers will now be able to seamlessly book Vistara flights while searching for

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them on Google, without getting redirected to any other website.

Commenting on the launch of the new service, Vistara’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Vinod Kannan, said, “Customer centricity is one of our core values and it has been our constant endeavour to offer our customers the finest and most seamless experience not just while flying with us, but across the customer journey.

passengers will now be able to seamlessly book Vistara flights while searching for them on Google, without getting redirected to any other website

We are sure that this new ‘Book on Google’ feature will enable an even more hassle-free experience and bring greater convenience to our customers.”

To book the tickets customers need to log in to their Google accounts which will enable all the saved information to get automatically filled for booking (including name, contact details etc.) Payment options, saved on Google, will be displayed automatically allowing a smooth transition from search to reservation and finally to the payment process. They can also decide to add a new credit / debit card during the booking process. Customers will also progressively be able to view and purchase optional upgrades, pre-purchase additional baggage allowance, seat selection, and much more on the same Google interface.

In a short span of over five years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service delivery in the Indian aviation industry by offering the world-class flying experience to travellers and has been the winner of ‘Five Star Airline’ and several ‘Best Airline’ awards.

QATAR AIRWAYS AND OMAN AIR STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC COOPERATION Expansion of code-share agreement is the first step in further strengthening commercial cooperation between the two Gulf airlines

Q

atar Airways continues to expand its portfolio of strong, globally strategic partnerships by signing an expanded code-share agreement with Oman Air that will boost connectivity and provide more flexible travel options for both airline’s customers. The expanded code-share agreement is the first step in further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two airlines that first began in 2000. Sales of the additional destinations will commence in 2021.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are pleased to further expand our code-share cooperation with Oman Air, one of the leading airlines in the Gulf region.

Now more than ever, it is important to strengthen strategic partnerships across the industry to optimise our operations and provide seamless connectivity to hundreds of destinations across the globe for our passengers. Since 2000, both airlines have seen the benefits that commercial cooperation has brought, providing our passengers www.tourismindia.org

with unrivalled service and more flexibility to travel when they want.

I look forward to further strengthening our commercial cooperation with Oman Air to provide even more benefits to our customers.”

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said: “We are delighted to expand our commercial cooperation with Qatar Airways, which will streamline flying for leisure travellers from around the world to enjoy Oman’s culture, scenic beauty and hospitality, and facilitate travel for those who visit the Sultanate of Oman for abundant, fast-growing business op41 portunities across a diverse range of sectors. The expansion of our code-share agreement is just the first step, and we look forward to working with Qatar Airways to further strengthen our strategic partnership to enhance the business and leisure travel experience for our customers in Oman and throughout the world.”

The code-share expansion will significantly increase the number of destinations available to Oman

Air passengers from three to 65* on the Qatar Airways’ network across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, India, and the Middle East. Qatar Airways passengers will also benefit from additional connectivity, with the ability to book travel on an additional six destinations across Africa and Asia in Oman Air’s network. Both airlines will also explore a number of joint commercial and operational initiatives to further optimise their partnership.

Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in a variety of fuel-efficient, twin-engine aircraft, including the largest fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, has enabled it to continue flying throughout this crisis and perfectly positions it to lead the sustainable recovery of international travel. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 110 destinations with plans to increase to 129 by the end of March 2021.

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NEWS / AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS OFFERS FULL YEAR OF FLEXIBILITY IN 2021 Customers booking travel via qatarairways.com can exchange their ticket for a travel voucher with 10% additional value

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Q

atar Airways has been designed the latest enhancement of its flexible booking policy with an offer for passengers unlimited date changes within the same booking class and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021 for travel completed by 31 December 2021.

The airline is also making the option to exchange tickets for a travel voucher with 10% additional value a permanent feature for all customers booking travel via qatarairways.com. The process for redeeming a travel voucher is quick and easy – passengers apply online and receive the voucher within 48 hours.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Throughout 2020, we have provided customers the

ability to modify travel without penalties as a result of the disruption to global travel caused

by COVID-19. As we look forward to the possibilities of travelling again next year, Qatar Airways will continue to be by our passengers’ side, offering continued flexibility throughout 2021 as the airline they can rely on.”

The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 100 destinations increasing to 126 by March 2021. With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to change their travel dates or destination if they need to. Qatar Airways also remains committed to honouring passenger refunds, paying out over USD $1.65 billion

since March 2020.

When travelling with Qatar Airways in 2021, passengers can expect the highest levels of safety throughout their journey. The airline’s onboard safety measures include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a complimentary protective kit and disposable face shields for passengers.

Business Class passengers on aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy partitions and the option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 30 destinations including Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York.

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NEWS / TRAVEL AWARDS

ALHIND TOURS AWARDED INDIA’S BEST GROUP TRAVEL COMPANY 2020 Execution of innovative strategies, strong commitment and voracious journey for progress combined with profoundly energetic expert groups help alhind to look for new skyline in the travel industry and beyond.

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lhind Tours and Travels has been crowned as the “India’s Best Group Travel company” by International Travel Awards 2020.

International Travel Awards is organized by KSA Tourism Marketing & PR Company, having over a decade of experience in promoting and branding over 5,000+ global tourism brands around the world. It is a well-established company in the travel and tourism industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travellers, and industry players alike. Over 100,000 international travellers and tourism industry professionals vote to select the winners.

For more than two decades Alhind Tours and Travels has been performing successfully and efficiently in the travel market. Over a period, we embarked to widen the avenues related to Travel & Tourism and launched new wings under the brand of ’Alhind Tours and Travels’ 44

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The overwhelming response from our customers helped Alhind to be known as “One Stop Shop”. We aim to offer an ample and extensive range of services that deliver strategic value, innovative technology and quality. Our authentic, reliable and consistent services in all verticals amend our

corporate slogan “Your Wings and Wheels”. Execution of innovative strategies, strong commitment and voracious journey for progress combined with profoundly energetic expert groups help alhind to look for new skyline in the travel industry and beyond.

GLOBAL TALENT ON DISPLAY UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition reaches its final stages

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ll five global regions are represented as the UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition reaches its final stages.

The competition was launched to identify innovators whose ideas can advance tourism’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and attracted more than 10,000 participants from 138 countries.

This competition is a UNWTO initiative, in collaboration with Wakalua (powered by Globalia),

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created as part of the collaboration with the United Nations Innovation Network, a common action framework by UN Agencies to develop public-private partnerships to support the SDGs. The finalists were chosen by a special jury made up of experts drawn from international banks, airlines, tourism destinations and technology platforms. Reflecting the global interest in the initiative, the 60 finalists come from 28 countries, with each of UNWTO’s five global regions represented in the final stages.

To select just one fi45 nalist for each of the 17 SDGs. each startup will be assessed according to fixed criteria, including their ability to contribute to a specific SDG, the ease of value capture, their potential business impact and the

maturity of both their product or platform and their team.

This final group of 17 startups will be announced throughout January and they will be invited to pitch their ideas to UNWTO, its partners and investors at the flagship event of the Global Startup Competition, the UNWTO SDG Tourism Tech Adventure (TTA), due to be held in Qatar this Spring.

In addition to the chance to pitch at the TTA Innovation Forum, winning startups will gain access to leading technological support and to more than 100 venture capitalists. They will also be able to benefit from UNWTO’s network of partners, with curated mentorship programmes from, among others, Amadeus, Amazon Web Services, BBVA, ClarkeModet, FarCo, Globant, Google, the Inter-American Development Bank, IE University, Mastercard., MentorDay, Telefónica and Qatar Airways.

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NEWS / NATIONAL

SHERATON GRAND PALACE INDORE WITH ADTOI TO REINSTATE DOMESTIC TOURISM safe place to travel and conduct family and professional events

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heraton Grand Palace Indore joined hands with the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) to reinstate domestic tourism by moderating the fear of COVID-19, with an aim to promote ‘Sampoorna Bharat Brahman’. Sheraton Grand Palace Indore showcased its offerings of conducting grand business conferences and destination weddings with a royal touch.

To inaugurate this unique association, a ‘friendly Badminton match’ was organized on January 9th 2021 at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, where a match was conducted between two teams – Sheraton team and ADTOI team. This match was played with an aim to convey a message of safe tourism

by taking care of all safety and sanitization protocols by the guests and hotel associates.

Mr. Rohit Bajpai, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore said, “We started this New Year with a remarkable event with ADTOI where Sheraton Grand Palace Indore organized a friendly match. This special initiative has also helped us to set benchmarks amongst our guests that our hotel would consider all aspects of sanitization and safety protocols to make their stay secure. This event fostered the pre-existing relationship between ADTOI and our Hotel.”

Mr. Atul Singh, Chairman of Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) Madhya Pradesh said, “Indore city is

an important tourism destination as it connects many cities and regions with all transportation resources. Our campaign ’Sampoorna Bharat Brahman’ will help in connecting with other city’s tourism board and help us build the travel and tourism industry again. By associating with Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, we have kept our first step forward to persuade a message of ‘safe tourism’ across cities.”

Located across a lush expanse of 8.62 acres with striking gardens, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore houses 115 rooms & suites and guests can experience the touch of royalty in this palatial hotel which is well-equipped with state-of-the-art conference and meeting venues that span over 1,25,000 square feet.

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

DETTOL PARTNERS WITH TREEBO HOTELS To facilitate safe and hygienic stays at Treebo hotels

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ettol, the leading germ protection brand, has announced its partnership with Treebo Hotels to facilitate safety and hygiene in domestic travel and create awareness about out of home disinfection & safety in India. The partnership program will ensure the use of Dettol products proven effective against the COVID-19 virus to elevate the disinfection and hygiene levels of the hotel premise, and drive regular training of the hotel staff among various other initiatives to ensure that guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay at Treebo Hotels. All Treebo Hotels will conform to the high48

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est standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Additionally, Dettol will also introduce its recently launched suite of innovative cleanliness products at select Treebo Hotels that will be conferred with the “Platinum Hygiene Shield” for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, RB spokesperson said, “As India’s #1 trusted hygiene brand, we aim to partner with our consumers to ensure a healthier environment not just inside, but outside of home as we are at crossroads with the ‘new normal’. Dettol will

continue to drive the organizational purpose and fight in action - to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.”

The Treebo Hygiene Shield covers all the aspects of safety. Safety checks and disinfection at arrival to contactless check-in, fully disinfected rooms, hand-sanitizers accessible across the property, in-room dining with limited seating in the restaurants, social distancing at the lobby and reception, etc. are just some of the aspects of providing guests with completely secured and safe stays.

Sidharth Gupta, the Co-Found-

er of Treebo Hotels said “Dettol is India’s leading hygiene brand.

Their partnership with our COVID safety program - Treebo Hygiene Shield - is a great validation of the quality assurance processes we follow, and our obsession about guest experience and safety. Despite the reducing numbers of new cases in India and the hope of mass vaccination on the horizon, we are not taking our eyes off the road and continuing to follow strict hygiene standards at our hotels.”

Treebo Hotels has also launched the Web Check-in feature which will further minimize the need for any human interaction at the time of checking-in at a Treebo Hotel. The Web Check-in feature allows guests to upload

Treebo Hygiene Shield with Dettol protection marks a phase of a new initiatives to deliver industry defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection at 600+ Treebo Hotels India’s most loved budget Hotel Chain

ID cards, furnish arrival details, select rooms, and place any other special request up to 48-hrs prior to the check-in. Upon arrival at the hotel, guests who have already done a web check-in can just verify their ID cards and collect the keys to their rooms at the reception desk.

In the current environment, restarting and redevelopment is the key to consumer satisfaction.

Consumers have heightened concerns regarding hygiene on their journey, and trust in cleanliness standards is an extremely critical element when it comes to travel. Therefore, it has become essential for industries across to implement an effective system to ensure standardized hygiene practices.

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NEWS / HOSPITALITY

SUNDAY BRUNCH @ RENAISSANCE BENGALURU RACE COURSE HOTEL The Sunday Brunch will be a perfect family destination for the people of Bengaluru that offers scrumptious food and a joyous ambiance

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ndulge in one of the best mid-morning meals as Lush, the all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel brings to you ‘On Sundays, We Brunch’ you can never forget.

Presented by Executive Sous Chef Nitish and his culinary team, the menu will feature a smorgasbord of handcrafted delicacies ranging from various lip-smacking

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salads from the cold bar to a wide array of main course meals that will take you on an all-new gastronomical journey. For all those with a sweet tooth, relish in some mouth-watering International and Indian desserts as the buffet features an ensemble of delicious dishes.

The Sunday Brunch will be a perfect family destination for the people of Bengaluru that offers

scrumptious food and a joyous ambiance. Delve on a grandiose fare of gastronomical delights, new age cocktails, and delectable desserts crafted with finesse to entice your taste buds with sheer perfection.

Satiate your Sunday cravings and end your weekend by spending some quality time with your family at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel!

THE SIZZLING AFFAIR Executive Sous Chef, Nitish Kumar Singh and his team have curated the delectable menu which is a fusion of Indian and Western Cuisine

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enaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, one of Bengaluru’s upscale hotels serving global cuisine with an indigenous flair, now brings The Sizzling Affair to you. This winter, unwind with a zest of delicate sizzler platter with your squad. Executive Sous Chef, Nitish Kumar Singh and his team have curated the delectable menu which is a fusion of Indian and Western Cuisine. The main highlights of the Sizzlers festival are Mughalnama Tandoori Chicken, Sizzling Chili Wings, Double Steak Burger, Cilantro and Lime River Sole, Chermoula Paneer and Malai Broccoli and much more!

This 10 -day festival kick-started on the 15th of this month, so head to Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel to enjoy the irresistible offerings!!

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FEATURE / DESTINATIONS

UNRAVELLING THE TRADITION OF PUNJAB The world’s finest woodwork comes from Punjab. Pawas and Peeras are crafted even today in almost all villages of Punjab

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he tradition and culture of Punjab have always cast a strong influence on the rest of India. Without a visit to the farms; where we can enjoy the real colours of the lives of Punjabi locals the trip will be incomplete.

The warmth and affection of the

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people are legendary and. you can experience the large-heartedness of the people in the .farms of Punjab The villages of Punjab are a perfect getaway to escape the din of urban life. Visitors can experience a slice of rural Punjab through the

activities of the villagers. Prime attractions include tractor rides, kite flying, handicraft making, and village safaris. Farmhouse themes in the villages range from colonial to modern – from fruit groves to herbal havens. While in Punjab, one can enjoy life lying in

the lap of nature.

Punjabi teaches us to enjoy life to the fullest. Whether it’s the stunning hues of their apparel or the lip-smacking taste of Dal Makhni, Punjab is a celebration. Influenced for thousands of years by other languages, cultures, customs, and races, Punjab is what it is today – a completely unique pack.

Punjabi food gets a prominent mention on the menus of the world’s finest restaurants. Truly showcasing its culinary eminence to the world, Punjab’s Makki di roti, Sarson da sag, tandoori chicken, and lassi (buttermilk) have now become a much-loved meal. The flavor of this sumptuous meal gets double when eaten at the popular roadside joints – Dhabas.

The world’s finest woodwork comes from Punjab. Pawas (artistic beds with mirror sequined backrests) and Peeras (low seats with colourful legs) are crafted even today in almost all villages of Punjab. Pidhis are another masterpiece of their craftsmanship which is a functional and artistic low four-legged woven www.tourismindia.org

stool. The artistry on wood is a treat to the world from Punjab.

The extensive and intricate hand embroidery on cloth, called Phulkari is another gift by Punjab to the world. These floral motifs in bright colours are a strenuous job and sometimes takes months and years to get complete. Traditionally worn during marriages and festivals, they are now used to grace the walls from within

frames, as throws and other soft furnishings to provide that ethnic look.

And, how can the Punjabi embroidered footwear, better known as Jootis, not get a mention here.

They are so rich in design and beauty that they adorn more museum walls than feet. Often they are sewed with gold and silver with gems embedded. Now, how luxurious can that be!

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NEWS/ INTERNATIONAL

HOW COUNTRIES ARE PERFORMING ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY World Economic Forum released its latest Global Competitiveness Report 2020

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he 2020 special edition of The Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) series comes out at a very difficult and uncertain historical moment. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to a global health crisis and deep economic recession—deeper than the downturn during the 2008–2009 financial crisis - but has also created a climate of profound uncertainty about the future outlook.

At this pivotal moment, there are growing calls for “building back better”. While the immediate priority is to respond to the health crisis, this moment in time also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the fundamental drivers of growth and productivity that have degraded since the financial crisis. It is also a moment to determine how we may shape our economic systems in the future so that they are not just productive but also lead to environmental sustainability and shared prosperity.

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Since this unusual moment calls for innovative and much-needed shifts in policy,the long-standing Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) rankings have been paused and this 2020 special edition is dedicated to elaborate on the priorities for recovery and revival, and consider the building blocks of a transformation towards new economic systems that combine “productivity”, “people” and “planet” targets. In 2021, the re-

port will revert to a benchmarking exercise that will provide a new compass for the future direction of economic growth.

This special edition analyses historical trends on factors of competitiveness as well as the latest thinking on future priorities. It provides recommendations against three timelines such as priorities that emerge from the historical analysis before the health crisis, priorities

needed to restart the economy, beyond immediate responses to the COVID-19 crisis, while embedding people and planet into economic policies (revival over the next 1-2 years); and priorities and policies needed to reboot economic systems in the longer run to achieve sustainable and inclusive prosperity in the future .

Recommendations and timeframes are grouped into four broad areas of action: 1) reviving and transforming the enabling environment, 2) reviving and transforming human capital, 3) reviving and transforming markets, and 4) reviving and transforming the innovation ecosystem. An initial assessment of countries on readiness for transformation is also provided that converts key priorities into quantitative measures for 37 economies.

Reviving and transforming the enabling environment Before the COVID-19 crisis, a long-standing issue had been the ongoing and consistent erosion of institutions, as shown by declining or stalling checks and balances and transparency indicators.

Against this backdrop, in the revival phase governments should prioritize improving long-term thinking capacity within governments and enhance mechanisms to deliver public services, including greater digitalization of public services. In the transformation phase, governments should work to ensure that public institutions embed strong governance principles and to regain public trust by serving their citizens.

A second area of concern before the 2020 pandemic was high levels of debt in selected economies as well as widening inequalities. The emergency and stimulus measures have pushed already high public debt to unprecedented levels, while tax www.tourismindia.org

bases have continued eroding or shifting. To respond to these issues, in the revival phase, the priority should be on preparing support measures for highly indebted low-income countries and plan for future public debt deleveraging. In the longer run (transformation phase) countries should focus on shifting to more progressive taxation, rethinking how corporations, wealth and labour are taxed. This will require both national reforms and setting an international cooperative framework.

Before the COVID-19 crisis, de-

spite the significant expansions of ICT access, ICT availability and use remained far from universal.

The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated digitalization in advanced economies and made catching up more difficult for countries or regions that were lagging before the crisis.

To address this challenge, in the revival phase, countries should upgrade utilities and other infrastructure as well as closing the digital divide within and across countries for both firms and households. In the transformation phase, the priority should be

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NEWS/ INTERNATIONAL on upgrading infrastructure to infrastructure and innovation. broaden access to electricity and ICT, while, at the same time, acReviving and transforming celerating energy transition. markets Over the past decade, while fiReviving and transforming hu- nancial systems have become man capital sounder compared to the pre-fiFor several years before the nancial crisis situation, they concrisis, skills mismatches, talent tinued to display some fragility, shortages and increasing mis- including increased corporate alignment between incentives debt risks and liquidity misand rewards for workers had matches. In addition, access to fibeen flagged as problematic for nance, despite efforts to increase advancing productivity, prosper- inclusion in recent years (includity and inclusion. Because of the ing through fintech applications), pandemic and subsequent accel- is not sufficiently widespread. eration of technology adoption, Against this backdrop, countries these challenges have become should in the revival phase prioreven more pronounced and com- itize reinforcing financial markets pounded further by permanent stability, while starting to introand temporary losses of employ- duce financial incentives for comment and income. To address panies to engage in sustainable these issues, countries should fo- and inclusive investments. In the cus in the revival phase on grad- transformation phase, the attenually transitioning from furlough tion should shift to create incenschemes to new labour market tives to direct financial resources opportunities, scaling up reskill- towards long-term investments, ing and upskilling programmes strengthening stability while and rethinking active labour mar- continuing to expand inclusion. ket policies. In the transformaPre-crisis, there was increasing tion phase, leaders should work market concentration, with large to update education curricula and productivity and profitability expand investment in the skills gaps between the top companies needed for jobs in “markets of in each sector and all others; and tomorrow”, and in parallel rethink the fallout from the pandemic labour laws for the new economy and associated recession is likeand use new talent management ly to exacerbate these trends. technologies to adapt to the new To address this issue, countries needs of the workforce. should in the revival phase strike The COVID-19 crisis has high- a balance between continuing lighted a second issue: how measures to support firms and healthcare systems’ capacity has prevent excessive industry conlagged behind increasing popu- solidation with sufficient flexlations in the developing world ibility to avoid keeping “zomand ageing populations in the bie-firms” in the system. In the developed world. To respond to transformation phase, countries this trend, countries should in the should rethink competition and revival phase expand health sys- anti-trust frameworks needed in tem capacity to manage the dual the Fourth Industrial Revolution, burden of current pandemic and ensuring market access, both future healthcare needs. In the locally and internationally. As a longer run (transformation) there complementary policy, countries should be an effort to expand el- should facilitate the creation of dercare, childcare and healthcare “markets of tomorrow”, especial56

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ly in areas that require public-private collaboration.

A third trend that has emerged in this area is the ongoing reduction on trade openness and the international movement of people, now vastly stalled due to the pandemic. In both the revival and transformation phases, countries should lay the foundations for better balancing the international movement of goods and people with local prosperity and strategic local resilience in supply chains.

Reviving and transforming the innovation ecosystem In this area, a paradox had recently emerged: a positive evolution of entrepreneurial culture in the past decade, but the creation of new firms and breakthrough technologies had stalled. Technology has lagged especially in the capacity to delivering solutions to energy consumption, emissions and meeting the demand for inclusive social services.

To manage these complexities, countries should in the revival phase expand public investments in R&D, incentivize venture capital and R&D in private sector, and promote the diffusion of existing technologies that support the creation of new firms and employment in “markets of tomorrow”. In the longer run (transformation) countries should create incentives that favour patient investments in research, innovation and invention, support the creation of new “markets of tomorrow” and incentivize firms to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion to enhance creativity.

Assessing readiness for economic transformation In aggregating the 11 priorities that emerge from this analysis for the economic transformation phase, the report provides a pre-

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NEWS / INTERNATIONAL liminary measure of countries’ “transformation readiness”. This novel framework uses the latest available statistics to measure where countries stand today in this process. This exercise covers a small set of countries (37), measuring only those priorities for economic transformation rather than the complete set of factors needed to drive productivity, sustainability and shared prosperity.

The aim of this exercise is three-fold. First, it maps the areas of priority against available data points in an effort to better define the actions and/or policies needed to “build back better” economies that are productive, sustainable and inclusive. Second, it provides a snapshot of the current situation in each of the 37 countries, assessing the extent to which many countries today are on the way towards transforming their economies. Third, it highlights where the key data gaps lie in assessing current national policies and performance.

While noting that the available statistics are insufficient to measure all aspects for achieving

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economic transformation, the results show that no country is yet fully ready to transform. Among the currently measurable policies, however, the ‘Nordic model’ stands out as the most promising in shifting towards a productive, sustainable and inclusive economic system.

Assessing resilience and crisis disruptions through business sentiment The impact of the current health crisis had a profound impact on the perception of business leaders, captured by the Executive Opinion Survey. Perceptions in some areas indicated that progress critically stalled or declined during the crisis, while in others there was a marked improvement compared to previous trends. The top 5 areas that experienced the most movement downward in advanced economies were Competition in network services, Collaboration between companies, Competition in professional services, Competition in retail services, and Ease of finding skilled employees; while in emerging economies these

were Business costs of crime and violence, Judicial independence, Organized crime, Extent of market dominance, and Public trust of politicians.

The top 5 areas that experienced the most upward movement were Government’s responsiveness to change, Collaboration within a company, Venture capital availability, Social safety net protection, and Soundness of banks in advanced economies; and Collaboration within a company, Government’s responsiveness to change, Efficiency of train services, Venture capital availability, and Country capacity to attract talent in emerging economies.

The Executive Opinion Survey also helps to identify some common features that helped countries better manage the impact of the pandemic on their economy and their people. Based on the assessment of business leaders i) economic digitization and digital skills; ii) safety nets and financial soundness; iii) governance and planning; and iv) health system and research capacity have contributed to countries’ resilience to the health crisis.

COVID-19 & TOURISM

A STRATEGIC POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH PATA releases its report on post covid responses in Asia Pacific for healthier and sustainable post-pandemic growth in tourtism sector

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he COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented crisis for the tourism industry. Since the livelihood of millions of people across the Asia Pacific is depend on it, the magnitude of the impact is immense in terms of the potential shrinkage of revenues, GDP and jobs. Orderly and strategic tourism policy responses can mitigate the worst negative impacts of COVID-19 and, in some cases, lay a foundation for healthier, more sustainable post-pandemic growth.

The report, titled “COVID-19 and the Tourism Sector: A Comparison of Policy Responses in Asia Pacific”, by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), conducted by Clickable Impact Consulting Group and supported by the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk Management (GIDRM), a project implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry

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for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).aims to aid tourism recovery by providing policymakers and donors innovative and best practice examples of policy response.

The report presents policy responses in five developing destinations spread across South and Southeast Asia Cambodia,Nepal,Sri Lanka,Thailand,Vietnam.

The report provides a practical policy review of the destinations’ responses, focusing on five dimensions such as Early response and public health management, Support for economic resilience and small and medium enter59 prises (SMEs), Enhanced support to the tourism sector, Tourism sector revitalisation policies and

plans.

“The revitalization of the travel and tourism sector is a priority for all destinations around the world and many have already introduced fiscal and monetary measures for sector revitalization including tax incentives and subsidies. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the sector not only recovers but do so in a more resilient, responsible and sustainable manner. Therefore, we look forward to working in partnership with our members and industry colleagues around the region to ensure the better and brighter future of travel,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy.

To validate and enrich findings, interviews were also conducted with key industry leaders or policymakers from national tourism organisations or other wellplaced stakeholders. In consultation with interviewees, the report further identifies gaps in the destinations’ policy responses and opportunities for donor support and assistance.

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NEWS/OUTBOUND

PRIVATE PARADISE CALLING @ NIYAMA MALDIVES ARRIVE IN STYLE AT NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS MALDIVES WITH THE NATION’S SHORTEST TRANSFER FOR PRIVATE JET GUESTS

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ith the recent authorisation of Dhaalu Airport to handle direct international private jet arrivals and departures to and from the archipelago, arriving at Niyama Private Islands Maldives has just become the swiftest and safest arrival experience in the country.

The airport in Maldives’ southern Dhaalu Atoll now offers the ultimate convenience for private jet guests, with the luxurious Niyama Private Islands a mere seven-minute private speedboat glide away.

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Dhaalu Airport ) can now handle and process long-range jets up to 111 feet in length, with ninety-six hours’ notification required to arrange a private international landing and departure, including immigration, customs, and legislated health checks and requirements for arriving passengers. This eliminates the need for non-commercial passengers to pass through and clear arrival procedures at the nation’s main international airport in Male before flying on to their island destination in paradise

Niyama Private Islands Maldives recently reopened its doors once again offering guests an abundance of space and privacy and a multitude of opportunities to create their own exceptional island experiences, all with the laid-back vibe that Niyama is known for.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and

personalised service, which presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience.

A distinct twist on the Maldives with its two islands, Chill and Play, Niyama perfectly blends adventure with serenity in Nature’s Playground.

The Chill island is true to its name; offering new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, entertainment under the stars at the outdoor cinema, a fine dining experience offshore at www.tourismindia.org

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Edge and so much more. While the Play island provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. This jewel is Niyama’s crown is the magnificent Crescent, a private playground of five ultra-chic pool villas, accommodating up to fourteen adults and eight children.

Boasting a private chef, two butlers, a housekeeper, and a host of complimentary activities including a sunset dhoni cruise and movie under the stars, this over water sanctuary

is the perfect paradise treat for the discerning traveller looking for space and privacy to share with extended bubbles of family or friends.

Whether it be feasting in the treetops, kayaking around the islands, or discovering why Niyama Private Islands Maldives is one of the luxurious surfing destinations, you will be spoiled for choice at Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

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NEWS / OUTBOUND

WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP GOES TO ROVANIEMI Finland is hosting two FIA World Rally Championship events at Jyväskylä and Rovaniemi , in the middle of the Arctic scenery in the Finnish Lapland at the end of February

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his year, Finland will be hosting not just one, but two FIA World Rally Championship events, when in addition to Jyväskylä, the best rally drivers in the world will also be competing against each other in the middle of the Arctic scenery of Rovaniemi in the Finnish Lapland at the end of February.

A rare opportunity to host two WRC events in the same year presented itself to AKK Sports, the organiser of Rally Finland, as it was announced in December last year that February’s Rally Sweden would not go ahead as planned – which in turn left a gap in the WRC calendar to be filled.

“We set out to look into the matter and explore our possibilities. Of the various different options, Rovaniemi with its solid culture in organising winter rallies, good reputation as an international event city and large number of enthusiastic and experienced rally-makers stood out. I am very pleased about how quickly the City of Rovaniemi embraced the idea, and we were lucky to get the equally enthusiastic CapitalBox as the other main partner of Arctic Rally Finland. It’s fantastic to be able to provide something extraordinary like this – we are making history together”, describes the CEO of AKK Sports Riku Bitter.

The Finnish Rally Championship season opener takes place in Rovaniemi this coming weekend, 15 - 16 January, and preparations for the WRC event up next are already in full swing with the FRC staff. Extra special attention will be paid to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) responsibility practices, and the organisers will strictly adhere to all the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the state, the local authorities as well as the FIA. If organising public events is not allowed, the Arctic Rally Finland organiser will not sell tickets to the event or set up any spectator areas – in which case, the organiser hopes everyone will stay home and enjoy the wide range of rally coverage provided by the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle and WRC+ All Live safely.

Event main partners excited: “A one-of-a-kind sports event!”

The new host city of the Finnish WRC round driven 26 - 28 February 2021 is eager to show off its most fascinating sides and provide the best possible service.

“We are proud to be involved in bringing the Arctic Rally Finland to Rovaniemi. The Arctic elements, the snow and ice, create unique conditions for the WRC event. Our city is supporting the organisation in every way possible by building a high-quality setting for this oneof-a-kind sports event”, says the

pleased Chair of the Rovaniemi City Board Liisa Ansala.

“The Arctic Rally Finland is a highlevel event, and it is a pleasure for us to be a part of it and to make it happen together with all the skilled and dedicated professionals.

People will remember this WRC event for a long time to come – and together we will make it an amazing experience for the entire rallying world to marvel at and enjoy!” enthuses the CapitalBox CEO Scott Donnelly.

Three days of Arctic WRC action puts drivers’ skills to the test The plans are for the Rovaniemi round to be driven as a three-day event: the action starts on Friday 26 February with a shakedown in the morning, and the first special stages of the rally proper will be driven on Friday evening. The competition continues on Saturday 27 February with three stages that will all be driven twice in and around the Rovaniemi area.

The Arctic Rally Finland Powered

by CapitalBox ends on Sunday 28 February with the rally-closing Power Stage taking place in the afternoon. To sum up, the Rovaniemi WRC round driven at the end of February will feature ten special stages and the total distance of approximately 260 special stage kilometres.

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NEWS / PRODUCTS

“BUY NOW, PAY LATER” FOR INDIA’S MSME SECTOR Enables micro, small and medium businesses to restart operations & recover from COVID-19 crisis

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OLV, a B2B e-commerce platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), has launched of a BuyNow-Pay-Later (BNPL) product for MSME buyers and sellers on its platform. BNPL as a concept has already made big inroads into the consumer retail sector and seen significant success there, especially in the last year. SOLV, in one of the first such moves in the B2B space, now brings the convenience of BNPL to the MSME sector.

In the first phase of the launch, new age fintechs and NBFCs that are a part of SOLV’s extensive network of financial service providers, have started offering invoice financing through BNPL to small businesses on SOLV’s B2B commerce platform, giving them a shot in the arm in this period of COVID19-induced crisis, when many small retailers are running 64

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low on capital and cash to finance their needs. With the flexibility of BNPL available to them, small businesses can now service their immediate requirements without feeling severe financial strain, with more time at their disposal to make payments.

Speaking about this new offering, Jiten Arora, Venture Lead, SOLV said, “SOLV is at the forefront of leading digital transformation for the MSME sector and bringing this large, underserved category

into the formal financing fold. Our newest offering is another step towards this goal. The application of BNPL in the B2B segment has been welcomed by our buyers and sellers. This product provides both convenience and financial flexibility to them, which results in growth, even in these challenging times. Going by the trend, every one out of three MSMEs will avail this product by the end of 2021.

BNPL is expected to contribute to SOLV more than INR 100 crore worth of business in 2021.”

BNPL is helping SOLV further reinforce trust on the platform as it meets the needs of both parties – sellers who want to be paid upfront and buyers who want credit for financing their inventory. For the partnering fintechs and NBFCs, the BNPL offering helps them increase their volumes of loan disbursal, as well as gives them a way to evaluate a customer’s credit behaviour without incurring a big risk, as the financing is for the underlying business transactions.

SOLV’s technology platform enables lending partners to lower cost to serve and thereby finance invoices as small as INR 3,000. It is therefore a win-win for both small businesses as well as the lending partners.

At a time when traditional lenders have turned largely risk averse due to a weak economy, SOLV’s hassle-free BNPL scheme provides a convenient and viable way to service the daily operational

requirements of small businesses.

New-age digital lenders have been at the forefront of this concept.

SOLV has partnered with three leading new-age lenders – Indifi, ePayLater and Davinta– for this initiative.

Bolstering SOLV’s financial services offering for MSMEs is its proprietary alternate credit score, SOLV SCORE which uses AI and ML to create a comprehensive score card for MSMEs with their traditional and alternate data. SOLV SCORE is aimed at augmenting and fast-tracking financial services offerings like BNPL on SOLV’s platform and making credit flow to the MSME sector more efficient and effective.

The SOLV platform facilitates commerce in a trusted environment, while easing access to finance and business services through one seamless digital experience for customers.

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